Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area is located in Dodge County, Wisconsin, and is considered one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This wildlife area is a popular destination for birdwatchers, nature-lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 300 species of birds, 40 species of fish, and numerous mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can go on guided birdwatching tours or explore the area on their own by hiking or biking on the trails.

One of the main points of interest in the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area is the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. This center offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours of the marsh. The center also has a gift shop and a viewing tower that provides panoramic views of the marsh.

Other notable attractions in the wildlife area include the Horicon Marsh Bird Club, a group of volunteers who monitor bird populations and lead birdwatching tours, and the Horicon Marsh Boat Tours, which offer guided boat tours of the marsh.

The best time of year to visit the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area is in the spring and fall, when bird migration is at its peak. However, visitors can enjoy the area year-round, with activities such as fishing, hunting, and snowshoeing available in the winter.

Overall, the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Wisconsin's natural beauty and wildlife.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks